City faces net $6.5 million deficit next year

Will honor Veterans of the Year

By Allen D. Payton

During a special meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, instead of their regular meeting next Tuesday, the Antioch City Council will discuss reallocating a little over $9 million from budget savings for Fiscal Year 2024/25. In addition, the Council will honor Bob Franchetto, 2025-2026 Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the Year and Ricky Diaz, 2025-2026 Antioch Veteran of the Year who were recently recognized during the Veterans Day ceremony. (See related article)

During the Closed Session before the meeting, which begins at 3:00 p.m., the Council will discuss recruitment of a permanent City Attorney, the Trent Allen, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., lawsuit, the City Manager’s performance evaluation and lease of the Lynn House Gallery on W. 1st Street.

Budget Savings Reallocation

According to the City staff report on the agenda item (#6), City revenues exceeded expenditures (surplus) by $9,034,582. But the true net surplus for the fiscal year end is $3,883,367 after reducing the total by $1,826,144 for Police Department CIP Re-Appropriated to FY 2025/26 and $3,325,071 for Encumbrances/Projects at 6/30/25 to be Rolled Over (Exhibits A & B).

The City received $1,054,449 higher than projected revenues and spent $10,445,898 less than projected for Fiscal Year 2025 which ended June 30th.

Expenditures were primarily reduced by:

• $2,946,282 in salary savings from all unfilled positions, including $1,720,034 in non- Police salary savings;
• $2,587,805 in project/purchase budgets not yet entirely spent. The carryforward of the budgets for these is included in the budget amendments total of the aforementioned $3,325,071;
• $1,826,144 in Capital Improvement Plan budgets that were unspent and re-budgeted/carried forward to FY26 with adoption of the 5-year capital budget;
• $737,266 in purchase orders not yet spent;
• $661,726 less in operating subsidy to the Animal Shelter; and
• $437,861 less in operating subsidy to Recreation Services.

In addition, the budget amendments include a $1,021,585 reduction in sales tax revenue based on the latest projections from the City’s sales tax consultant, $1,664,166 in salary savings that can be recognized thus far this fiscal year and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) revenues of $3,085,330 representing the balance of ARPA funds remaining on June 30th and projected interest earnings. All ARPA funds must be spent by December 31, 2026.

Even with the savings, the City is still facing a budget deficit of $11,657,947 next year even after the existing budgeted $5M transfer in from the Budget Stabilization Fund approved by City Council to be utilized in FY26. $5,151,215 of the deficit is attributable to the encumbrances and other budget items being rolled over, leaving a true remaining additional deficit (net of the $5M Budget Stabilization transfer) of $6,506,732 which will draw upon General Fund reserves to “balance” the budget.

Staff is recommending reallocating the FY24-25 savings as amendments to this fiscal year’s budgets for the General Fund as well as other City funds. (See Agenda Item 6 staff report and Exhibits A, B and C).

See complete meeting agenda.

Meeting Information

The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown, with the Special Meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. It can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.

Issues statement calling it “reckless Republican funding bill” which passed 222-209

Reps. Garamendi, Harder, Senators Padilla & Schiff also vote against

Republicans called it a “damaging and unnecessary shutdown” and claim they “acted responsibly and stood with the nation from the start”

By Allen D. Payton

Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) released the following statement upon voting “no” on final passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) in the United States House of Representatives, which ended the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history.

“This Republican spending bill is an assault on the health care, wallets, and wellbeing of the constituents I represent and the American people. Since the start of the year, I have promised to stand up against Republican attacks and protect Americans’ health care. Rather than work with Democrats to negotiate a bipartisan spending bill that keeps care affordable, Republicans shut down the government. After playing politics with Americans’ lives and livelihoods for over a month, nothing in today’s so-called “deal” will make life better for working people than it was before the shutdown started. I continue to hear every day from people who are worried about how to get by and whether they will be able to afford quality health care for themselves and their families. My vote today was in support of and solidarity with these members of our community and millions more across the country whose livelihoods and health will suffer as a direct result of this cruel and reckless bill. Despite this outcome, I will continue to fight on to lower costs, protect health care, and preserve the rule of law.”

The bill, known as a Continuing Resolution, passed the Senate Monday on a 60-40 vote, following multiple previous votes, with eight Democrats joining 52 of the 53 Republicans. Both California’s U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D) and Adam Schiff (D) voted “no”. The original bill which passed the House in September was amended and had to return to the House for final votes.

It passed the House on Wednesday on a vote of 222-209 with six Democrats crossing the aisle to back the bill.  Contra Costa County’s other Members of the House of Representatives, John Garamendi (D, CA-8) and Josh Harder (D, CA-9) also voted against the bill.

The House Appropriations Committee issued the following press release about the vote:

House Republicans Restore Order: Congress Passes Clean Funding Extension and Full-Year Appropriations Bills to Reopen Government

“The House of Representatives passed the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, with a vote of 222 to 209.

After a damaging and unnecessary shutdown that lasted 43 days, a funding extension that House Republicans called for and passed in September is finally headed to President Trump’s desk. Senate Democrats voted against this clean, nonpartisan measure 15 times over the course of the six weeks they held the government hostage.

In addition to the continuing resolution, Congress approved three full-year appropriations bills covering the Legislative Branch, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration.

Passage of this first tranche of bills is strong Article I progress for Appropriators, who have already advanced all twelve bills through the full committee. With the rest of the federal government now funded through January 30, 2026, the Appropriations Committee will continue working to move our remaining nine full-year bills across both chambers. This regular order momentum ends the era of backroom omnibus deals and puts taxpayers first. 

While Democrat leadership and their progressive caucus determined that inflicting pain on the American people was their pathway forward, reason overturned their obstruction in the end. Republicans acted responsibly and stood with the nation from the start. Now, the Democrat shutdown is behind us, and Congress can refocus on the work the American people expect and deserve.”

Next, the bill will go to President Donald Trump, who plans to sign it tonight.

Use it for trips on BART, Tri Delta Transit, County Connection, WestCAT, AC Transit and more

Multi-agency trip to Mount Tamalpais State Park Dec. 14 to celebrate

By Carter Lavin, Co-Founder, Transbay Coalition

The Bay Area transit advocacy group Transbay Coalition, along with Seamless Bay Area and Hiking By Transit has launched new calculator, created by Evan Tschuy, to help show Bay Area residents how much they will save with the new Clipper 2.0 set to launch in December. It will automatically provide discounts of up to $2.85 per trip to people when they transfer between transit agencies (e.g. AC Transit to WestCAT, Muni to BART, VTA to Caltrain, SolTrans to the Ferry, The Vine to the Ferry, Sonoma County Transit to SMART, etc).

You are about to be able to save a bunch of money when taking transit in the Bay Area. Right now, when you transfer between bus and rail services, you generally have to pay the full fare for both legs of the trip, or if you’re lucky you might get a small discount. But starting in December, when you transfer between agencies, your fare gets reduced by $2.85 — down to potentially free — with the new Clipper 2.0.

Plus, under Clipper 2.0 you will be able to tap on to transit with your credit or debit card – no Clipper Card needed. So next time you want to bring friends, family, and out-of-town visitors onto transit with you, they don’t need to get a new card, they can just use their credit or debit card to tap in.

Bay Area transit trips are about to get a lot more affordable, and to help folks understand how much they’ll save, Transbay Coalition launched The Clipper 2.0 Savings Calculator with our friends at Hiking By Transit and Seamless Bay Area. Go to the Calculator, enter in the information about a trip you want to take that would require switching between agencies and check out how much you’ll save.

For Clipper 2.0 fares, the following rules are applied:

• Each time you transfer to a new agency, your next fare is discounted up to:
  • Adult: $2.85
  • Youth & Senior/RTC: $1.40
  • Senior/RTC on BART: $1.10 (to reflect the further Senior/RTC fare discount on BART)
• The discount value does not depend on your previous fare, so AC Transit ($2.50) to BART will give a $2.85 discount off of your BART fare
• AC Transit is introducing a new transfer policy with Clipper 2.0, allowing one free transfer between local buses

For example:

• Take AC Transit to BART to Muni? A $9.85 trip will become just $4.65.
• Visiting a friend in Palo Alto from your home in the Inner Sunset? A $13.90 trip will become just $8.20.
• Taking Sonoma County Transit to SMART? Save an additional $1.35 per trip
• The Napa Vine to the Ferry? You’ll save $2.85 per trip
• Use the tool here: https://clipper2.hikingbytransit.com/.

Other agencies may have updated their transfer policies, but at this time this tool is not aware of any other changes. This tool does not take into account the transfer time limit; Clipper 2.0 interagency transfers have a 2-hour time limit from first tap, while Clipper 1.0 fares have various different time limits depending on the specific agency pairs.

Fares on the website are an estimation only, based on the current information provided by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. As some details have yet to be released, some assumptions have been made. This website will be updated as possible to reflect new information.

Multi-Agency Trip to Mt. Tamalpais State Park Dec. 14

To celebrate this big transit win, Hiking by Transit is hosting a multi-agency trip to Mount Tamalpais State Park on December 14th to celebrate.Come on out!

Plus, this Sunday, you’re invited to the garden party joint fundraiser for Transbay Coalition & Seamless Bay Area – get your tickets here.

Want to know more about what Clipper 2.0 means for you? Check out the Transbay Coalition blog.

About Transbay Coalition

The Transbay Coalition is a grassroots public transportation advocacy group championing bold near-term solutions to the Bay Area’s regional transportation crisis. Founded to campaign for dedicated bus-only lanes on the Bay Bridge and its approaches, we’re striving to create an equitable and efficient public transit system and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more about the Transbay Coalition

About Seamless Bay Area

Seamless Bay Area is a not-for-profit project whose mission is to transform the Bay Area’s fragmented and inconvenient public transit into a world-class, unified, equitable, and widely-used system by building a diverse movement for change and promoting policy reforms. Learn more about Seamless Bay Area

About Hiking by Transit

Hiking by Transit connects people in the Bay Area to our beautiful parks and preserves, car-free, by providing maps and hiking guides across the nine-county region and through advocacy for increased access and increased understanding. Visit Hiking by Transit

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Vanessa Vizard, Vizard Marketing & PR for CalKids

Contra Costa, CA — Contra Costa County families welcoming a new baby can also celebrate another milestone: their child’s very first scholarship. Through the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS), every child born in the state on or after July 1, 2022, automatically has a CalKIDS Scholarship Account waiting in their name —  including more than $2 million in scholarship funds set aside for children in Contra Costa County alone.

CalKIDS is the nation’s largest children’s development account program, designed to support college and career training. For newborns and young children, the state invests up to $175 in a CalKIDS Scholarship Account:

• $100 for being born in California (babies born July 1, 2023, or later; $25 for those born between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023)
• $25 extra when parents claim the account online
• $50 extra for linking the account to a ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan

That’s up to $175 already invested in a child’s future, long before applications, admissions essays, or financial aid forms come into play.

“At First 5 California, we recognize that supporting healthy development begins with a commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive,” said Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Executive Director of First 5 California. “CalKIDS is a powerful way to show families that their child’s future matters from the very beginning.”

With August, September, and October among the most common birth months in California, thousands of families are becoming newly eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship. It’s a timely opportunity for parents to take an easy first step that can grow into a lifelong advantage for their child’s education.

How to Claim Your Baby’s Scholarship

Claiming is quick, easy, and free at CalKIDS.org. Parents and guardians just need three pieces of information:

• The county where their child was born
• Their child’s date of birth
• The 13-digit Local Registration Number (LRN) on the birth certificate, or the unique CalKIDS code mailed to their home

Once claimed, families can log in anytime to view balances, link a ScholarShare 529 Account, and learn how funds can be used. Eligible expenses include tuition and fees, required books and supplies, and computer equipment at accredited higher education institutions nationwide.

“I appreciate the forward thinking of CalKIDS by investing in the education of our next generation! Starting to save for college early will pay dividends in the long run,” said Contra Costa parent Joshua Tan.

Small Actions Make a Big Difference

Research shows that children with even small savings for higher education are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate. Education is also one of the most powerful tools to break the cycle of poverty — a college degree can nearly double lifetime earnings. By giving every child in California a first scholarship, CalKIDS brings that opportunity to families from day one and makes the path to higher education more attainable for millions.

Across California, CalKIDS is working with hospitals, county offices, and community partners like United Ways of California to ensure families know about this opportunity from the very beginning.

“Every child deserves the chance to dream big, and that starts from the moment they are born. CalKIDS is helping families of newborns begin saving for education and career training right away. United Ways of California is proud to support this effort, which aligns with our work to expand economic mobility and opportunity across the state,” said Mandy Nand, Associate Director of Economic Mobility, United Ways of California. “United Ways of California is thrilled to support CalKIDS. By providing funds to every newborn, California is giving families peace of mind and an important financial foundation for their child’s future. This effort reflects our mission to help families build stability and opportunity from the very start of life.”

Since its launch in 2022, CalKIDS has become the largest child development account program in the country. In addition to newborns, CalKIDS also created accounts for over 4 million public school students, accounting for more than 5 million children total with CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts and $2 billion invested. More than 700,000 families have claimed their scholarships, turning possibility into action.

Families can learn more and claim their baby’s first scholarship today at CalKIDS.org.

About CalKIDS: The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) is the nation’s largest child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, and Chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, the program is designed to promote the pursuit of higher education statewide by empowering families to build assets, nurture savings habits, and raise their educational aspirations. Eligible public school students can receive CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500 and every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022, is awarded a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $175, ensuring more families have the resources needed to support their children’s education. To learn more, visit CalKIDS.org.

Over $107 million for Contra Costa projects including $46.9 million on Hwy 4 from Hillcrest Avenue in Antioch to Byron Highway near Brentwood

By Edward Barrera, Division Chief, Caltrans Public Affairs

In August, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved $3 billion in allocations to enhance safety and mobility across the state highway system and expand multimodal travel, including bike lanes and pedestrian pathways. Guided by Governor Gavin Newsom’s Build More, Faster – For All infrastructure agenda, these improvements will make California communities safer, cleaner and increase access to active transportation options.

Of the $3 billion allocated, $663 million derives from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 and approximately $2 billion from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA). The funds will serve as a catalyst to increase the capacity of the state’s transportation system, rehabilitate aging roadways and improve travel times, while balancing community impacts and promoting environmental benefits.

The “…investments reflect California’s long-term commitment to safer roads, smarter traffic management and expanded transportation choices that get people where they need to go,” said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy.

“The funds allocated…reflect the Commission’s commitment to investing taxpayer dollars strategically. These investments will improve the safety and reliability of the state’s transportation network and support a thriving economy by improving the movement of freight and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for all California,” said Darnell Grisby, Chair of the California Transportation Commission.

Projects in Contra Costa County approved by the Commission include:

• $46,900,000 on SR-4 in and near Antioch and Brentwood, from Hillcrest Avenue to Byron Highway, to rehabilitate pavement and drainage systems, upgrade facilities to ADA standards, install Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), high-visibility crosswalks, bike loop detectors, and construct Class II bike lanes. This will extend pavement service life and improve ride quality. 
•  $42,374,000 on I-680 in San Ramon and Danville, from Alcosta Boulevard to 0.1 mile north of Diablo Road, to rehabilitate pavement, upgrade guardrail, and upgrade facilities to ADA standards. This will extend pavement service life and improve ride quality. 
• $14,584,000 on SR-24 in Orinda, at the Caldecott Tunnel, to rehabilitate and upgrade the ventilation system in Bores 1, 2, and 3. This will ensure structural integrity and prolong tunnel service life. 
• $1,301,000 on SR-4 in Concord, 0.5 mile east of Port Chicago Highway, to reconstruct a failed slope embankment and repair a displaced down drain due to heavy rainfall in February and March 2025. Work includes installing Rock Slope Protection (RSP), and repairing the down drain, guardrail, and dike. This will enhance driver and pedestrian safety. 
• • $1,275,000 on SR-4 near Pittsburg, 0.3 mile west of Bailey Road, to reconstruct a slope embankment and repair a displaced down drain due to heavy rainfall in February and March 2025. Work includes installing Rock Slope Protection (RSP). This will improve roadway safety. 
• $999,000 on SR-24 in Lafayette, from 0.7 to 1.0 mile east of Acalanes Road, to rehabilitate pavement due to ponding and water seepage caused by heavy rainfall in February and March 2025, which led to cracking and settlement. This will extend pavement life and improve safety. 

IIJA is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of our country’s energy, water, broadband and transportation systems. The total funding for California is nearly $54 billion. This includes investments to upgrade the state’s roads, bridges, rail, public transit, airports, ports, waterways and the electric vehicle charging network. 

SB 1 has invested approximately $5 billion annually toward transportation projects since its adoption. It provides funding split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly, based on the availability of funds, including those partially funded by SB 1.

Visit build.ca.gov to learn more about transformative infrastructure projects happening in communities throughout the state.

AB 692 will prohibit ‘stay-or-pay’ contracts that trap nurses and other workers in exploitative debt arrangements with employers

By California Nurses Association

California Nurses Association (CNA), the largest union of registered nurses in the state of California, applauds Governor Gavin Newsom for taking action to protect workers from employers’ use of predatory debt contracts and signing Assembly Bill 692 (A.B. 692) into law on Monday, Oct. 13. A.B. 692 prohibits employers from requiring workers to pay a debt, fee, or penalty if the workers wants to leave their job, expressly making these kinds of exploitative workplace debt arrangements unlawful.

“California is taking a proactive step forward to support the thousands of nurses and nearly one in 12 workers who are in exploitative stay-or-pay contracts,” said Sandy Reding, RNand CNA president. “We are grateful for Assemblymember Kalra championing this bill and to Governor Newsom for stepping up with the labor movement to stand up to Trump’s assaults on worker protections. California leads the rest of the country by signing this bill into law.”

A.B. 692 was authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) and sponsored by CNA, as well as a broad coalition of co-sponsoring organizations, including the California Federation of Labor Unions, California Employment Lawyers Association, Protect Borrowers, and the American Economic Liberties Project.

“It has been an honor to work with CNA in abolishing exploitative stay-or-pay contracts and stopping employers from creating debt to trap and intimidate workers,” said Assemblymember Kalra. “I am grateful Governor Newsom signed A.B. 692, ensuring workers are not coerced into employment debt agreements and can be empowered to leave bad jobs.”

“Today, Governor Newsom signed an important bill to ban employer debt traps and protect nurses, actors, athletes and so many other workers. Employers use training repayment schemes to trap workers in jobs with low wages, unsafe conditions, and abusive managers,” said California Labor Federation President Lorena Gonzalez. “It doesn’t matter if you work in a hospital or play professional sports, no worker should have to pay an employer back if they leave a job. We are proud of California’s progress that will help workers level the playing field.”

A.B. 692 addresses the growing number of employers that are using debt as an exploitative tool to trap workers in jobs, often with low wages and substandard working conditions, and to bust unions. Sometimes called “stay-or-pay” contracts, employers coerce workers into predatory arrangements that require the worker to pay an alleged debt or other financial penalty to their employer if the worker leaves their job before a prescribed period of time–whether the worker is fired, laid off, or quits. With the threat of having to pay back a debt or fee to their employer, “stay-or-pay” contracts indenture workers to remain at a job and chills workers from seeking better wages or working conditions.

California Nurses Association/National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation with more than 100,000 members in more than 200 facilities throughout California and more than 225,000 RNs nationwide.

Monthly recurring donations are the key to a thriving future for the theatre

The El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation has launched a new fundraising drive to ensure that live theatre, music, film, and community events continue to thrive in downtown Antioch. Supporters can make a one-time or recurring monthly donation at donate.elcampaniltheatre.com.

Built in 1928 and lovingly restored by the community, El Campanil Theatre has been a cornerstone of Antioch’s cultural life for nearly a century. Today, the theatre continues to serve as a vital gathering place for live performance, youth programming, and community events. As the organization looks to the future, monthly donations have become the most effective way for supporters to sustain its mission and keep the arts alive.

“Every dollar helps, but it’s our recurring monthly donors who truly keep the lights shining on our stage,” said Joshua Price, Executive Director of El Campanil Theatre. “As Bay Area venues continue to learn how to sustain themselves in a post-pandemic arts environment, monthly contributions allow us to plan for tomorrow, invest in our teams and artists, and preserve this beautiful historic theatre for future generations.”

While monthly donations provide the most sustainable support, one-time gifts are just as impactful and play a critical role in maintaining this historic theatre, funding new productions, and expanding arts access across East Contra Costa County.

How to Help:

● Visit donate.elcampaniltheatre.com

● Choose “Monthly” for sustainable support

● Or choose “One-Time” to make an immediate impact

● Share the campaign with friends, family, and neighbors

El Campanil Theatre is an asset to the community and has stood as long as it has because of community support. By becoming a recurring donor or by making a generous one-time gift, you ensure that the crown gem of Antioch continues to inspire audiences and nurture creativity for generations to come.

About the El Campanil Preservation Foundation

The El Campanil Preservation Foundationis the nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining and operating El Campanil Theatre, a historic performing arts venue in downtown Antioch, California. Originally opened in 1928, the theatre is a cherished cultural landmark presenting live performances, films, and educational programs for audiences of all ages. The Foundation relies on community donations to preserve this beloved institution and keep the arts thriving in East Contra Costa County.

Learn more at www.ElCampanilTheatre.com or donate today at donate.elcampaniltheatre.com EIN 68-0453921.

Commission-sponsored bill

By Yating Campbell, Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG)’s co-sponsored legislation, SB 642 (Limόn) Pay Equity Enforcement Act, has been signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. CCSWG co-sponsored SB 642 along with the California Employment Lawyers Association and Equal Rights Advocates.  

“SB 642 signifies an important victory in advancing gender equity in the workplace on the 10-year anniversary of the California Fair Pay Act, while also recognizing that there is still much to be done to achieve true progress,” said Chair of CCSWG Dr. Rita Gallardo Good. “We thank Governor Newsom and Commissioner Limόn for their leadership and continued commitment to California’s women and girls.”

SB 642 revises outdated gender binary language, allows workers to recover for up to six years of lost pay, harmonizes the statute of limitations with other wage and anti-discrimination statutes, and limits how wide pay ranges may be in public job postings

“With many families continuing to stretch to make ends meet, we reinforce our commitment to equal pay laws that strengthen the economic security of California families and communities,” said Senator Monique Limón. “On Latina Equal Pay Day, I am incredibly proud that Governor Newsom is building upon our pay equity legacy here in California. The Pay Equity Enforcement Act will help narrow the wage gap by providing workers with more negotiation power at the start of their career, while also strengthening workers’ rights to recover lost wages – this is a win for workers and an even bigger win for California families.”

“As a proud co-sponsor of SB 642, we thank Governor Newsom for his signature of SB 642, which will advance pay and gender equity in the state of California for millions of women and girls,” said CCSWG Executive Director Darcy Totten, “SB 642 addresses several critical pay transparency gaps and revising references to gender to be more inclusive and reflective of California’s values. We also thank the author, Senator and Commissioner Limón, for her relentless support of women’s rights and protections in the workplace.”

Research demonstrates that women continue to make 79 cents for every dollar made by their male counterparts. Women of color are shown to be even more severely and disproportionately impacted. Studies also show that, on average, women nationwide lose a combined total of almost $1.7 trillion every year due to the wage gap, impacting the ability to afford basic needs like housing, food, childcare, and preventing women from building long-term financial security. SB 642 remedies these obstacles by enabling women to build long-term economic security and wealth. The provisions of the bill will go into effect January 1, 2026.

“The gender wage gap costs California women billions in lost wages each year—money that could otherwise go toward rent, groceries, childcare, and other essentials that families depend on,” said Jessica Ramey Stender, Policy Director & Deputy Legal Director of Equal Rights Advocates. “SB 642 ensures California remains at the forefront of advancing pay equity. Ensuring women and all workers are paid fairly is not only critical for their financial stability, but also for the economic security and well-being of families across the state.”

“One of the biggest barriers to advancing pay equity is that workers often don’t know that they are being paid unfairly until it is too late,” said Mariko Yoshihara, Policy Director for the California Employment Lawyers Association. “We applaud Governor Newsom for signing SB 642, which will comprehensively strengthen our equal pay laws and extend the ability to recover lost wages due to pay discrimination.”

For more than 50 years, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls has identified and worked to eliminate inequities in state laws, practices, and conditions that affect California’s women and girls. Established as a state agency with 17 appointed commissioners in 1965, the Commission regularly assesses gender equity in health, safety, employment, education, and equal representation in the military, and the media. The Commission provides leadership through research, policy and program development, education, outreach and collaboration, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. Learn more at www.women.ca.gov.